A fist filled Titus's vision, then flashed black and white, then red. His eye throbbed. He could feel it swelling already.

“Solved that riddle,” Titus coughed out. A gasp ran through the audience, but nobody moved to stop Jeremy.

Warm liquid ran down his face. His eyes were tearing up. He experienced worse before, much worse. But in the state he was in his brain couldn’t recall when.

Part of him was glad Jeremy had chosen today, when Tess had refused to talk to or be around him. It was one less thing to worry about. He was free to get beaten to a pulp without feeling guilty as well. There was always a silver lining.

Jeremy spoke again. “Negative reinforcement was coined by B.F. Skinner. Know who that is? It's used to condit...

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